Moving swiftly on. I have been very lucky to be asked sometimes to trial plants and whilst I obviously like receiving plants I already know and love, I have written previously about how much I enjoy being challenged to grow plants I have not previously considered. This does not mean I just greedily accept any plant, if I am not interested in growing it at all I will say so as it would be a pointless exercise for all concerned. I was recently contacted by Jersey Plants Direct to see if I would be interested in receiving a Cape Aloe plant, I thought about it quite a bit as these are not plants I have much experience of. I decided to say yes as they are a plant I like and it seemed a good challenge.
The plant arrived very well packaged. I particularly liked the addition of the terracotta pot and saucer. The plant was separate from these in a plastic pot which meant they could all be individually wrapped and arrived safely in good condition.
The plant itself is a good size, was in nicely damp compost and came complete with leaflet and label. The leaflet explains the history of using aloe gel and also how to harvest and store it yourself from the plant. There are also some nice disclaimers about if you do use the gel then it is at your own risk. Always better safe than sorry!
I really liked the label, it was nice and clear and told me quickly all I needed to know. Whilst I can grow things relatively well in the garden (apart from the things that die - shush), I am generally not a good house-plant grower; except I have been improving on this. The past couple of years I have been growing things indoors far more successfully, mainly because I have been taking it more seriously and thinking more about what I am doing. I am hopeful that this aloe will thrive and I am immensely grateful to Rosie for sending it to me. Thank you.
